Mirroring the glow of the furnace’s flames, Mohammad Al-Duwaisan’s eyes reflected unwavering passion, intense focus and determination poured into each glass piece he creates. Of all the art forms, it was glassmaking that caught the artist’s interest, leading him to become the first to introduce this craft to Kuwait. “It’s one of the most sophisticated arts, incomparable to any other. It teaches you how to engage with chemistry, gravity and colors,” Duwaisan said, explaining what draws him to this craft. “You witness a beautiful piece emerge through multiple stages and intricate details.”

From ashes, glass pieces and even glass waste, Duwaisan transforms whatever he has on hand into creations that are both functional and artistic. His glass forms range from accessories, sculptures and decorative objects to recycled glass products and medical equipment.

Process of shaping a vase.

Placing the glass object in a portable furnace known as mini glass studio.

Close-up of a glass object being heated in a furnace with temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celcius.

Several of the most common specialties that Duwaisan mentioned for producing glass art include glass blowing, fusing, glass lathe and flameworking, with each specialty offering unique techniques and outcomes in glass artistry.

Instead of following the norm of importing most such products from overseas, Duwaisan aims to change the narrative by adding Kuwait’s unique touch to the industry. He creates glass objects that capture the shapes, forms and colors of Kuwait’s environment, which he describes as “very rich”. He showcased some of his handmade decorative glass censers inspired by Sidr and willow trees and others inspired by the desert.

After nearly seven years of self-learning and efforts to establish the glassmaking craft in Kuwait, Duwaisan now aims to inspire younger generations by passing on this skill through the Gulf’s only glass art workshop. “The craft holds promising market potential, and Kuwait is leading the region in advancing its growth,” he said.

A finished glass censer inspired by the Sidr tree of Kuwait.

Adding colors by dipping the object into crushed colored glass.

Duwaisan uses a glass blowing technique to create a vase.

Glass artworks created from recycled glass bottles.

Tiny glass accessory shaped like candy.

With minimal effort, materials and equipment costs, he noted that learning the craft’s knowhow allows anyone to start an individual business and secure a stable income. “The country needs more job opportunities, and this project can definitely open the gate to many,” Duwaisan said. The capital needed to start this business, according to him, ranges from KD 3,000 to KD 6,000.

He believes that this project will significantly boost Kuwait’s economy and tourism, attracting businesses and visitors from all over the world. Currently held at Bait Al-Othman, Duwaisan hopes to soon expand his workshop to Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre and Shaheed Park. Among his aspirations, he wishes for government support for this project. “With state support, we could save a lot of money, and we’re ready to share our expertise with anyone who needs it at any time,” he said.